Revelations 22:12-21

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Read Revelations 22:12-21 Verses for meditation: Revelations 22:12-13, 16, 20-21 ESV: 12 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Reflect How does it feel to be reading the very last few verses of the bible? What do the proclamations, the last few of them, say about Christ? Come, Lord Jesus! Does this really express our desire? How does the greatest book end, and on what note? But is this really the end? Relate With mixed feelings, I'm writing this last devotion based on the final ten verses of the greatest book, the bible. What a journe...
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Acts 28:17-31 “Freedom of the Gospel”

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READ: Acts 28:17-31


Verses chosen for meditation: Acts 28:30-31


30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.


REFLECT

Paul finally made his way to Rome and what a journey it’s been! It seemed the universe conspired to obstruct his inevitable arrival. He intended to proceed to Rome directly from Jerusalem. Instead, he got arrested, endured endless trials, got imprisoned in Caesarea, faced assassination plots, survived a shipwreck, and shook off a poisonous snake bite!


When the words came from Jesus himself, saying he must testify in Rome, there was no doubt in Paul’s mind he would end up here. But could he have predicted the state at which he arrived: not as a respected preacher, but as a prisoner for crimes he did not commit. The reputation he gained on the voyage (Acts 27) helped convince authorities to treat him leniently. So rather than being confined in a small prison, he was placed under a kind of house arrest, under surveillance, but allowed to speak with visitors.


Paul wasted no time. He called in the Jewish leaders to explain the Christian “sect” everyone’s talking about. Unfortunately, his Jewish listeners were divided, like many times before. With the Jews’ deliberate rejection of the gospel, Paul wanted them to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen with open ears, unlike the Jews. Paul tried many times with the Jews, having a burden for them. Now he finally turns his attention to others willing to listen.


Paul could no longer choose his audience. Visitors, comprising of both Jews and Gentiles would have to seek him. And many came, as he proclaimed boldly in the heart of mighty Rome, a new kingdom and a new king in Christ. Over the next months and years, Paul worked on his fond letters to the churches he left behind. Messages that would change history.


RELATE

One of the most impressive insights about the last part of this book is in the last two words: “without hindrance” (v31). It describes the freedom of the gospel. What a striking contrast we see. Paul, chained to a Roman guard, with no say in his audience. What of that speaks of no hindrance and freedom? He was indeed hindered. Yet, the freedom, power and spread of the gospel went unhindered.


God has proven again that His glory and power can be shown in the most unexpected circumstances. Nothing can stop the advancement of the gospel. Many have tried and when things look bleak, the freedom and power of the gospel shines even more. Such irony. Paul, in his two years of custody in Rome, having no freedom and control, experienced more peaceful preaching than ever before.


The power and freedom of the gospel shown here ought to encourage us, during times when our own mental obstacles hinder us from furthering the gospel. Obstacles like doubt over our eloquence, lack of knowledge and training, fear of people’s skeptism, etc. Against daunting odds, the power of the gospel is the main game changer here, not our skills. Believe in the freedom and power of the gospel. May we speak boldly, with speech that is candid (no hiding of truth), clear (no ambiguity) and confident (no fear of consequences), and leave it to the power of the gospel to be what transforms our listeners.


We may find ourselves in situations that seem bleak, making us concede that the gospel would not flourish. But we look to these last verses today, which is a fitting epitaph of Paul’s remarkable career, filled with countless bleak situations, yet enabled Christianity to make the journey successfully from Jerusalem to Rome.


And in Rome, Paul’s lack of freedom forced him to witness in the presence of Caesar, which expanded his audience, allowing him to reach people otherwise unreachable. It was his sufferings for Christ throughout his bleak situations that authenticated his witness. As such, from Rome, Christianity made its way to the rest of the world. Bleak circumstances do not hinder the advancement of gospel.


REST

Father, we pray for the gospel to continue its penetration to lost communities. Help us to desire involvement in such a mission, and to believe in the power and freedom of the gospel. Amen.


Chris Chong

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